Ranking the Top 50 ODI Cricketers of 2013

Ranking the Top 50 ODI Cricketers of 2013

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As part of our review of international cricket in 2013, we have followed up our popular Top 50 Test Rankings with a comprehensive look at the best players in One-Day International cricket over the course of the most recent calendar year.

Of course, like our Test rankings, it was vitally important to use a unique statistical formula (outlined over the following slides) to remove the heavy bias of opinion from rankings such as these.

Using a detailed algorithm, which factors accumulated statistics against the rate of their occurrence, we have objectively determined which players shone brightest in the ODI arena in 2013.

However, it's also important to note that this list doesn't rank players on their overall standing in the game. Instead, players are ranked on their performances across the year of 2013 in isolation.

So before jumping straight into the rankings, carefully take note of how this list has been formulated, all the details of which are outlined over the following slides.

Calculating the Rankings Step 1: Points Allocation

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Like our Test Rankings, it was critically important to remove the heavy bias of opinion from these ODI rankings by formulating an algorithm that could objectively evaluate the performances of each player.

The first step in that process was to award points for each basic statistic accumulated by each player across the course of 2013.

The points awarded for each basic statistic are listed below:

PERFORMANCE

POINTS

Runs

1

50s

25

100s

50

Wickets

20

4WIs

50

5WIs

75

W/k Dismissals

5

Note: Statistical analysis showed it was significantly more difficult to claim four and five-wicket hauls than it was to compile 50s and hundreds in 2013. That is reflected in the allocation of points for milestones.

Calculating the Rankings Step 2: Rate of Performance

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Unlike Test cricket, where the sheer weight of runs and wickets ultimately determine a player's rank, ODI cricket presents a different challenge with regard to evaluating performance.

Given the format's time constraints and its emphasis on the rate of scoring, it was vital that each player's accumulated statistics were measured against strike rates (for batsmen) and economy rates (for bowlers).

To do this, it was necessary to establish a "par" measurement, by averaging the strikes rates and economy rates of all players across the 136 ODIs in 2013.

AVERAGE STRIKE RATE

AVERAGE ECONOMY RATE

80.07

4.99

With those "par" numbers attained, each player had his statistics measured against the rate at which they were accumulated.

Batting Examples:

PLAYER

BATTING PTS

S/R

PAR S/R

RELATIVE S/R

ADJUSTED PTS

Batsman 1

525

78.23

80.07

0.98 (78.23/80.07)

514.5

Batsman 2

450

101.48

80.07

1.27 (101.48/80.07)

571.5

Bowling Examples:

PLAYER

BOWLING PTS

ECON

PAR ECON

RELATIVE ECON

ADJUSTED PTS

Bowler 1

375

6.43

4.99

0.78 (4.99/6.43)

292.5

Bowler 2

200

3.21

4.99

1.55 (4.99/3.21)

310

As you can see, performing this step ensures that quick scoring and tight bowling are rewarded, reflecting the standout factors that are inherent in limited-overs cricket.

Calculating the Rankings Step 3: Opponent Difficulty

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After allocating points and evaluating the rate of performance, the third step measures a player's statistics against the difficulty of each opponent.

This step is essential in determining the significance of a player's contributions across the calendar year, as wickets claimed versus India should certainly be given more weight than those taken against Zimbabwe.

Consequently, each player had his statistics broken down into the various opponents they faced.

The points accrued across the first two steps for each player were then multiplied by the opponent's difficulty rating to determine an Adjusted Points Total.

Each opponent was graded as follows:

RANK

TEAM

ICC ODI RATING

RELATIVE RATING

DIFFICULTY

1

India

120

120/120

1.00

2

Australia

114

114/120

0.95

3

England

111

111/120

0.93

4

South Africa

110

110/120

0.92

5

Sri Lanka

108

108/120

0.90

6

Pakistan

101

101/120

0.84

7

West Indies

90

90/120

0.75

8

New Zealand

86

86/120

0.72

9

Bangladesh

83

83/120

0.69

10

Zimbabwe

55

55/120

0.46

11

Ireland

38

38/120

0.32

12

Netherlands

13

13/120

0.11

13

Kenya

10

10/120

0.08

Note: Any team that isn't included in the ICC ODI Rankings (Scotland) was assigned the minimum difficulty rating (0.08).

Player Example:

BAT PTS

S/R

ADJ BAT PTS

BOWL PTS

ECON

ADJ BOWL PTS

TOTAL

OPP DIFF

ADJ PTS

432

91.26

492.37

120

5.11

117.18

609.55

0.84

512.02

Calculating the Rankings Step 4: Adjusted Points Per Match

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The final step in the algorithm averages a player's Adjusted Points Total across each match in order to rank players on a per-match basis.

This ensures that players of all nations are judged fairly, rather than basing the rankings on the total number of points accumulated, which is simply a product of matches played.

To do this, the Adjusted Points Totals from each opponent faced are added together, then divided by the number of matches played to determine each player's Adjusted Points Per Match.

Example:

PLAYER

OPP 1

OPP 2

OPP 3

OPP 4

MATCHES

ADJ PTS PER MATCH

Example

512.02

213.45

89.39

179.18

24

41.49

For a player to qualify, he must have competed in a minimum of 10 matches.

Limitations of the Ranking Algorithm

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Every statistical algorithm has its limitations and this one is no exception.

However, it's important to outline the limitations that are inherent in this objective ranking system.

1. The formula can't account for the match situation. Therefore, runs and wickets compiled in pressured situations don't carry more significance than those accumulated at other times.

2. In using par-adjusted strikes rates, the algorithm cannot determine if a player was forced to operate in a defensive manner following the loss of wickets.

3. The system can't account for the varying degrees of scoring that occur in different conditions and venues.

4. The formula can't factor in the added weight that is inherent in certain series. For instance, these rankings can't evaluate the added significance that is evident in a series between India and Australia.

5. By using the ICC's ODI Rankings as they stood at the conclusion of 2013, the formula can't factor in the changes to the ODI Rankings that will inevitably occur in the early stages of 2014.

6. A further limitation of using the ICC's ODI Rankings as they were at the end of 2013 is that players are measured on their opponent's end-of-year strength, rather than the rating of their strength when the meeting occurred.

7. The system can only judge a player on accumulated statistics. For example, a bowler who goes wicketless in an impressive spell will receive fewer points than a bowler who claims two fortunate wickets in an otherwise loose spell.

8. Statistical evaluations such as this will also favour all-rounders, given their ability to accumulate points in both of cricket's major disciplines.

9. By judging players on a per-match basis, this system will inherently favour those who have competed in fewer matches, as it's easier to maintain higher levels of performance across shorter time periods.

10. Another downfall of evaluating players on a per-match basis is that batsman who either finished an innings not out or didn't get a chance to bat are somewhat punished.

50. Michael Clarke

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Team: Australia

Matches: 11

Adjusted Points Per Match: 34.40

Michael Clarke suffered an injury-interrupted year in ODI cricket in 2013, with his lingering back issue forcing the Australian captain to miss many of his team's limited-overs matches.

While he was a standout in the Test arena, Clarke managed only 303 ODI runs at an average of 37.87 across the course of 2013.

However, a fine series against England in September, which saw Clarke compile scores of 105, 22 and 75 at a strike rate of 98.05, was enough to elevate him on to this list.

49. Jos Buttler

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Team: England

Matches: 18

Adjusted Points Per Match: 34.57

A hard-hitting keeper-batsman, Jos Buttler looks set for long career in England colours after enjoying a spectacular year in 2013.

The 23-year-old scored 298 runs at a strike rate of 127.35—the third highest mark of any player above 100 runs for the year.

Against Australia, he was superb, smashing 75, 65 not out and 42 in his three innings of the series.

Alongside his year-ending tally of 31 dismissals, Buttler's performances with the bat marked him as one of England's most exciting prospects.

48. Alastair Cook

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Team: England

Matches: 16

Adjusted Points Per Match: 34.71

Alastair Cook finds himself among the top 50 players of 2013 thanks to consistency.

Although the England captain didn't play a ODI match after the Champions Trophy in June, Cook was a steady performer over the first six months of the year, reaching five 50s in 16 innings, only failing to reach double figures on four occasions.

While he's far from the most spectacular of players, Cook's stability at the top of the order was a critical cog in England's journey to the Champions Trophy final.

47. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

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Team: India

Matches: 25

Adjusted Points Per Match: 34.89

In his first complete year of international cricket, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a revelation for India, claiming 28 wickets at an economy rate of 4.66 to secure a permanent place in his nation's side.

Capable of prodigious movement through the air, Kumar excelled in the bowler-friendly conditions in England during the Champions Trophy, carrying that form through to India's ODI series in the West Indies.

While India's bowling performances against Australia in October were forgettable, the right-armer's unique ability to swing the ball around corners will ensure he's a regular member of his country's side in 2014 and beyond.

46. Joe Root

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Team: England

Matches: 20

Adjusted Points Per Match: 35.02

Like his captain, Joe Root owes his place on this list to steady and consistent run-scoring rather than spectacular feats.

In fact, prior to a poor run of form against Australia in September, Root had compiled 590 runs at an average of 49.17 to become one of England's leading limited-overs batsmen.

During that run, the 23-year-old completed a stretch of 14 consecutive double-figure innings, in which he only failed to pass 20 on one occasion.

45. Phillip Hughes

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Team: Australia

Matches: 20

Adjusted Points Per Match: 35.11

Phillip Hughes started 2013 in blazing form, smashing two hundreds in five innings against Sri Lanka to secure his place at the top of Australia's ODI line-up.

Although the left-hander was dumped from his nation's Test side, Hughes maintained his form in the limited-overs arena, compiling two other 80-plus scores and a handful of useful starts in a productive calendar year.

The unorthodox dasher will likely be an integral component of Australia's side again in 2014.

44. Misbah-Ul-Haq

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Team: Pakistan

Matches: 34

Adjusted Points Per Match: 36.19

Misbah-ul-Haq is arguably the most notable victim of the algorithm used to determine these rankings.

In accumulating 1,373 runs, the Pakistan captain became the leading ODI run-scorer in 2013, doing so at an average of 54.92.

However, due to the weight given to one's par-adjusted rate of scoring in this formula, Misbah finds himself well down the list due to his strike rate of 73.54—the second lowest mark among the top 23 run-scorers of the year.

Of course, this formula can't account for the fact that his teammates regularly collapsed around him, leaving the Pakistani leader with the job of consistently rebuilding his side's innings.

43. Jason Holder

Unlike Misbah-ul-Haq, Jason Holder is a lucky beneficiary of this system's formula; his regular capture of wickets across a small sample size elevating him into the top 50.

Across just 12 matches, Holder only went wicketless on two occasions.

Undoubtedly his best performance was a 4/13 effort from 10 stellar overs against Pakistan in July—a spell almost single-handedly responsible for his presence on this list.

42. Morne Morkel

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Team: South Africa

Matches: 15

Adjusted Points Per Match: 36.93

A consistent source of high-quality bowling, Morne Morkel enjoyed another superb year in coloured clothing in 2013.

In his 15 appearances, the right-armer claimed 25 wickets at an average 24.40 to cement himself as one of the world's leading bowlers.

On closer inspection, Morkel only went in excess of four runs per over in five of his 15 matches, comfortably ensuring the South African of a place on this list.

41. Angelo Mathews

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Team: Sri Lanka

Matches: 28

Adjusted Points Per Match: 37.19

Angelo Mathews was among the leading all-rounders in 2013, compiling 585 runs at 32.50, whilst also claiming 19 wickets at 35.05.

With his solid batting technique and accurate bowling, the 26-year-old has always been well suited to limited-overs cricket, evident across another solid 12 months in 2013.

Perhaps his finest performance came against India in July, when Mathews smashed 44 not out from just 29 deliveries before claiming 1/23 from eight impeccably tidy overs in India's unsuccessful chase.

40. Adam Voges

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Team: Australia

Matches: 16

Adjusted Points Per Match: 37.85

Despite being in and out of the Australian side since his debut in 2006, Adam Voges established his role in his nation's middle-order in 2013, accumulating 478 runs at an average of 47.80.

Starting the year with a sparkling 112 not out against the West Indies, the right-hander became a source of consistency in tight situations for Australia.

Unquestionably his most critical performance came in Mohali in October when Voges put together a calm 76 not out to lay the platform for James Faulkner's heroics at the end of the innings.

39. James Tredwell

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Team: England

Matches: 15

Adjusted Points Per Match: 38.04

Steady and reliable, James Tredwell was England's leading ODI bowler in 2013, claiming 25 wickets at an average of 22.36 in an impressive calendar year.

While his left-arm orthodox always appears to be rather innocuous, Tredwell has proved to be a consistent wicket threat for England; an impressive stint in India at the beginning of the year cementing his place in the side.

With Graeme Swann no longer in the England set-up, Tredwell's national duties can only increase in 2014.

38. Ahmed Shehzad

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Team: Pakistan

Matches: 21

Adjusted Points Per Match: 38.61

Ahmed Shehzad's record of 809 runs at 38.52 in 2013 is rather impressive when you consider he played almost half his of his matches against the world-conquering South African attack.

With two hundreds and five 50s, Ahmed was a source of consistency alongside his often-lonely captain; his finest performance occurring when he completed a memorable 102 at Port Elizabeth, resisting a Dale Steyn onslaught to help Pakistan secure a nail-biting one-run victory.

37. Sean Williams

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Team: Zimbabwe

Matches: 11

Adjusted Points Per Match: 39.54

The bright spot in Zimbabwe's struggling line-up, Sean Williams was one of his side's few sources of optimism in 2013.

In just 11 matches, the left-hander put together 337 runs at an average 42.12, striking them at a rate of 94.66 per 100 balls.

Three quick-fire 50s (two of them unbeaten) kicked started Williams' year against Bangladesh, which was followed by consistent run-scoring against India and Pakistan.

36. Lendl Simmons

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Team: West Indies

Matches: 10

Adjusted Points Per Match: 39.72

Unspectacular but effective, Lendl Simmons was a regular source of runs in the West Indies' middle-order in 2013.

While 371 runs at an average of 37.10 doesn't seem noteworthy, Simmons finished the year on a seven-game stretch in which he had only been dismissed for less than 25 on one occasion.

When evaluated on a per-match basis, Simmons' consistent scoring is enough to elevate him to No. 36 in these rankings.

35. Darren Sammy

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Team: West Indies

Matches: 20

Adjusted Points Per Match: 40.16

Many have argued—and will continue to argue—that Darren Sammy isn't up to international standard as an all-rounder.

In the Test arena, that's probably true. However, in the limited-overs formats, Sammy has been a valuable all-rounder for the West Indies, crunching 398 runs at a strike rate of 100.25 whilst also claiming 11 wickets.

The often-criticised Sammy also finished the year with a bang, smashing 143 undefeated runs from his last three innings at a collective strike rate of 141.58.

34. Dwayne Bravo

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Team: West Indies

Matches: 22

Adjusted Points Per Match: 40.23

As an all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo was always going to feature prominently on this list.

While his batting (388 runs at 21.55) was below what he's capable of for much of the year, Bravo claimed 33 wickets at an impressive average of 27.33 in 2013

Although the energetic 30-year-old continues to be sadly absent from his side's Test line-up, his ongoing form in the limited-overs formats means his immense talent is thankfully on show on the international stage.

33. Sohaib Maqsood

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Team: Pakistan

Matches: 10

Adjusted Points Per Match: 40.74

Sohaib Maqsood is another player who owes his place on this list thanks to a consistent accumulation of runs, rather than explosive performances.

In 10 innings, the 26-year-old right-hander compiled 363 runs at an average of 40.33, only failing to reach double figures on one occasion.

With just one failure and three 50s to his name in a small sample size, Sohaib finds himself higher on this list than most would have expected.

32. Hashim Amla

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Team: South Africa

Matches: 23

Adjusted Points Per Match: 41.86

While his Test form continues to be exemplary, Hashim Amla's performances in the ODI arena dipped somewhat in 2013.

In 22 innings, the prolific right-hander put together 838 runs at an average of 38.09—well below his career mark of 53.34.

Although Amla did complete two graceful centuries, his calendar year was littered with nine unfulfilled starts between 10 and 23.

31. Ian Bell

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Team: England

Matches: 16

Adjusted Points Per Match: 41.89

Ian Bell scored just the one hundred across 2013, but he was unlucky not to have completed a handful more.

Unquestionably England's batsman of the year, the stylish right-hander had three 80-plus scores to go with his smooth century against India in January.

Certainly, his total of 645 runs at an average of 43.00 was a handsome return for Bell.

30. Kieran Powell

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Team: West Indies

Matches: 11

Adjusted Points Per Match: 42.49

Five 50s, plus two other scores of 42 and 47, is an impressive return from just 11 innings.

That Kieran Powell was able to make the bulk of those runs in the unfamiliar surrounds in Australia and India makes his record even more impressive.

With 463 runs at an average of 42.09, the West Indies will be hoping their left-handed opener is set for even bigger things in 2014.

29. Nuwan Kulasekara

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Team: Sri Lanka

Matches: 20

Adjusted Points Per Match: 43.25

Nuwan Kulasekara completed one of the best years of his career in 2013, claiming 25 wickets at 28.12 whilst keeping his economy rate under the year's par of 4.99.

The bustling right-armer was sensational against Australia in Brisbane, grabbing career-best figures of 5/22 as Sri Lanka destroyed the home side in remarkable fashion at the 'Gabba.

Across his 20 appearances in national colours, Kulasekara only went wicketless on five occasions, highlighting the threat he regularly posed.

28. Rangana Herath

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Team: Sri Lanka

Matches: 17

Adjusted Points Per Match: 44.36

Alongside Kulasekara, Rangana Herath was outstanding as Sri Lanka's leading spinner in 2013, grabbing 26 wickets at 19.57 in a very fruitful calendar year.

Although the 35-year-old was only able to claim one four-wicket haul, the left-armer picked up two wickets or more on nine occasions, which included five such performances on the bounce.

Had it not been for one disastrous performance against New Zealand where his economy ballooned to 14.33, Herath would have found himself considerably higher on this list.

27. Johnson Charles

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Team: West Indies

Matches: 19

Adjusted Points Per Match: 44.85

Johnson Charles is another player to have enjoyed a breakout year in 2013, finishing with 686 runs at a strike rate of 86.07 to form a solid opening partnership with Kieran Powell for the West Indies.

The right-hander began the year with consecutive hundreds against Australia and Zimbabwe before thumping 97 from 100 balls against India in June.

At just 24 years of age, the West Indies will be looking for Charles to become an anchor of the Caribbean side for years to come.

26. Ross Taylor

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Team: New Zealand

Matches: 13

Adjusted Points Per Match: 45.21

Like his form in Test cricket, Ross Taylor enjoyed a fantastic calendar year in ODI cricket in 2013, compiling 510 runs at an average of 46.36.

In just 13 innings, the free-flowing right-hander reached two hundreds and three 50s; the finest of which came against England in Napier in February.

With his team's stock on the rise, expect Taylor to be among world cricket's star batsmen over the coming years.

25. Brendon McCullum

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Team: New Zealand

Matches: 15

Adjusted Points Per Match: 45.42

Although he averaged just 35.00 and failed to convert any of his four 50s into significant hundreds, Brendon McCullum struck his 420 runs at a strike rate of 98.82 in 2013.

With his usual powerful hitting, the Kiwi captain was an explosive weapon again in 2013, best showcased by his dramatic 74 from only 36 balls against England in Napier.

While his Test form remains a concern, McCullum's prowess in the one-day arena remains potent for his country.

24. MS Dhoni

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Team: India

Matches: 26

Adjusted Points Per Match: 46.04

MS Dhoni is another player to treated harshly by the algorithm used to determine these rankings, as 2013 was another stellar year for the Indian captain.

As perhaps the most feared lower-order hitter in the world, Dhoni smashed 753 runs at an average of 62.75, which is made more impressive by his strike rate of 96.04.

However, because this system judges players on a per-match basis, Dhoni's collection of brief and undefeated innings go unrewarded.

So while his average per dismissal was 62.75, his average run tally per match (including dismissals and innings in which he didn't bat) was 28.96—one of the limitations of this algorithm.

23. Ryan McLaren

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Team: South Africa

Matches: 27

Adjusted Points Per Match: 47.35

An all-rounder who could potentially soften the blow of Jacques Kallis' departure, Ryan McLaren grew to become an invaluable player for South Africa in ODI cricket in 2013.

His haul of 45 wickets at 23.77 was the most by any South African, made more significant by his 372 lower-order runs with the bat.

Coming from a nation with a great history of all-rounders, McLaren looks set to be an integral member of South Africa's quest for World Cup glory in 2015.

22. Jonathan Trott

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Team: England

Matches: 14

Adjusted Points Per Match: 47.46

Just like his year in Test cricket, it's easy to forget that Jonathan Trott started 2013 in red-hot form.

In eight matches between February and June, the dependable right-hander owned a lowest score of 37, cruising to an unbeaten hundred and three other 60-plus scores in that stretch.

In fact, Trott finished the calendar year with 611 runs at 61.10, at a surprisingly high strike rate of 86.05.

21. Ravindra Jadeja

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Team: India

Matches: 34

Adjusted Points Per Match: 47.52

One of the most improved players in world cricket, Ravindra Jadeja enjoyed a stellar 12 months in 2013.

Coming in at No. 5 in our Test Rankings, Jadeja also excelled in the ODI arena, claiming 52 wickets at 25.40, whilst also chipping in 462 runs in India's lower-order.

However, like his captain, Jadeja is hurt by the amount of matches he played, given the inherent advantage that is given to players who have competed in fewer games in this algorithm.

20. Saeed Ajmal

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Team: Pakistan

Matches: 33

Adjusted Points Per Match: 48.27

No man is making up for lost time like Saeed Ajmal.

Despite making an unusually late entrance to international cricket, the 36-year-old off-spinner was the leading wicket-taker in ODI cricket in 2013, claiming 62 scalps at an average of 20.45.

However, the prolific spinner finds himself occupying a lower position on this list than he deserves, given his inability to contribute anything with the bat; 96 runs at 5.33 hurting his ranking against other players.

19. Rohit Sharma

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Team: India

Matches: 28

Adjusted Points Per Match: 50.02

Rohit Sharma is another Indian player to have his ranking hurt by the sheer weight of matches the stylish right-hander competed in.

While Sharma elegantly stroked his way to 1,196 runs at an average of 52.00, which included a stunning 209 against Australia, it's incredibly difficult to maintain such a standard over the course of 28 matches.

Sharma is also hurt by his strike rate, which at 80.81 is considerably lower than other batsmen above him on this list.

18. Virat Kohli

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Team: India

Matches: 34

Adjusted Points Per Match: 50.50

Is there a more exciting batting prospect in world cricket than Virat Kohli?

If he hadn't already announced his arrival, he certainly did it in 2013, hammering 1,268 runs at 52.83, with a strike rate of 97.53.

Those who witnessed his barbaric annihilation of Australia in October will never forget it; his 100 from just 52 balls in Jaipur one of the most lasting memories of the year.

However, the exhilarating right-hander is hurt in these rankings by four matches in which he wasn't required to bat.

Take those matches out and Kohli would be five spots higher on this list.

17. Ravi Bopara

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Team: England

Matches: 11

Adjusted Points Per Match: 51.35

Being an all-rounder certainly helps Ravi Bopara in these rankings, but his performances in 2013 can't be ignored.

In just 11 matches, the 28-year-old accumulated 317 runs at 52.83 to go with 10 wickets at 35.00.

Although he hasn't played a Test since 2012, Bopara continues to be a standout performer in coloured clothing for England; his hard-hitting ways making him the batting all-rounder that all international sides crave in limited-overs cricket.

16. Mohammad Hafeez

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Team: Pakistan

Matches: 33

Adjusted Points Per Match: 52.29

It's quite remarkable that a batsman with 1,301 runs for the year at 46.46 was also able to claim 23 wickets.

While his average with the ball was 46.13, the standard of his batting was a career-high; evident in three hundreds in his final five innings of the year.

In fact, no batsman scored more hundreds in 2013 than Mohammad Hafeez, epitomising his rise into world cricket's group of elite batsmen.

15. Shahid Afridi

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Team: Pakistan

Matches: 24

Adjusted Points Per Match: 54.17

There will always be those who will lament his inconsistency and enigmatic ways in Pakistani colours.

However, for those that enjoy his regular fireworks, Shahid Afridi is nothing short of brilliant.

In 2013, he was at it again, thumping 441 runs with his usual inconsistency, while also claiming 27 wickets at 31.92.

Yet before his batting average of 23.21 is scoffed at, it's wise to consider the rate at which he scored across the calendar year.

His total of 441 runs came from just 311 balls, at a strike rate of 141.80. Considering he hit 25 sixes for the year, Afridi incredibly struck a six for every 12.44 balls he faced.

He also completed the most remarkable single-match performance of the year, when he hammered 76 off 55 balls against the West Indies before claiming 7/12 with the ball.

14. Martin Guptill

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Team: New Zealand

Matches: 11

Adjusted Points Per Match: 54.32

Martin Guptill is perhaps the player to benefit most from the advantages given to players who compete in fewer matches in this system.

In just 11 innings, the New Zealander registered two ducks and four other single-figure scores.

However, two massive hundreds against England in the middle of the year, one of which was a colossal 189 not out, mean Guptill soars up this list with 406 runs at an average of 50.75

13. Mitchell McClenaghan

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Team: New Zealand

Matches: 15

Adjusted Points Per Match: 56.31

No one took their wickets in 2013 at a quicker rate than New Zealand's Mitchell McClenaghan.

In just 15 matches, the left-armer claimed 40 wickets at an average of 19.02, with an absurd strike rate of 20.0.

In just his first full year of international cricket, McClenaghan grabbed four wickets on four separate occasions, in addition to claiming 5/58 against the West Indies in Auckland.

In fact, the 27-year-old went wicketless on just two occasions, claiming a minimum of two wickets in every other match he played.

The only thing from preventing him from featuring far higher on this list was his economy rate of 5.70; well above the average of 4.99.

12. Shikhar Dhawan

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Team: India

Matches: 26

Adjusted Points Per Match: 57.93

Shikhar Dhawan had barely made an appearance for India prior to 2013.

Now he stands as one of his nation's finest players, having smashed 1,162 runs in 2013 at an average of 50.52.

Alongside Mohammad Hafeez, Dhawan stands as the leading century-maker in ODI cricket across the most recent calendar year, compiling five hundreds against South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia and the West Indies.

Unlike Kohli, Dhawan isn't hurt in these rankings by playing in several matches in which he didn't bat, the left-hander getting his chance in all but one of his 25 appearances.

11. James Anderson

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Team: England

Matches: 10

Adjusted Points Per Match: 58.62

Like his captain, James Anderson didn't play a ODI match after the Champions Trophy final in June.

However, up to that point, England's spearhead had been in sublime form, grabbing 23 wickets in just 10 innings with a staggering average of 15.26.

After routing New Zealand in Napier, the right-armer returned to England to undertake a brilliant Champions Trophy campaign, in which he claimed 11 wickets in five matches.

Just as it was for Jonathan Trott, it has been easy to forget Anderson's form in the first half of 2013, given what occurred towards the end of the year.

10. Tillakaratne Dilshan

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Team: Sri Lanka

Matches: 25

Adjusted Points Per Match: 59.02

Somehow, Sri Lanka's 37-year-old veteran continues to get better.

Despite making his international debut way back in 1999, Tillakaratne Dilshan completed one of the most impressive years of his career in 2013, cruising to 1,160 runs at an average of 61.05.

At one stage, the right-hander put together five consecutive scores in excess of 53 against South Africa and New Zealand, with one being a magnificent hundred against the Proteas.

Also aiding his ranking is his capture of nine wickets across the 12-month period.

9. Kane Williamson

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Team: New Zealand

Matches: 14

Adjusted Points Per Match: 59.63

Kane Williamson has been a revelation for New Zealand, with 2013 being undoubtedly the finest year of his career.

In his 14 appearances, the young all-rounder stroked his way to 453 runs at 41.18 to go along with his 12 wickets at 30.08

A stunning 145 not out against South Africa in January won't be forgotten in a hurry, while three other 50s capped off a fine year in the game for Williamson.

8. James Faulkner

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Team: Australia

Matches: 19

Adjusted Points Per Match: 62.95

Another all-rounder to feature prominently on this list, James Faulkner has risen to become of the world's leading limited-overs players.

In 2013, the 23-year-old crunched 408 runs at an average of 45.33, with an incredible strike rate of 116.90.

To go with that impressive record, the left-armer grabbed 25 wickets and 32.04 to show why he's one of the most highly-rated players in the limited-overs formats.

That he saved his best performances with the bat for Australia's series against India also helps him in these rankings; his thumping of 64 not out from 29 balls to steer Australia to victory in Mohali is unquestionably the most memorable.

7. Glenn Maxwell

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Team: Australia

Matches: 15

Adjusted Points Per Match: 63.63

There will come a time in the near future when Glenn Maxwell harnesses his incredible hitting ability and blends it with consistency to become a force in limited-overs cricket.

Even so, the dashing Australian finished 2013 with the world's second-highest strike rate of 138.70, smashing his 387 runs from only 279 balls in his 15 appearances.

With that incredible strike rate, as well as seven useful wickets, Maxwell finds himself in such a lofty position on this list thanks to the fireworks that regularly occur when he's at the crease.

Although it proved to be a losing cause, his staggering 60 from just 22 balls against India in Bangalore in November was a sign of things to come.

In the ODI arena, the South Africa blitzed his way to 1,163 runs at an average of 50.56, hammering them at a strike rate of 97.07.

With three hundreds and seven 50s for the year, the new ODI captain led from the front, punctuating his year by thumping India into submission in December.

5. Kumar Sangakkara

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Team: Sri Lanka

Matches: 25

Adjusted Points Per Match: 66.25

At what point Sri Lanka will stop relying on Kumar Sangakkara is uncertain, but it needs to happen soon.

Again in 2013, the veteran left-hander was his side's standout performer, compiling 1,201 runs at a sublime average of 63.21.

Of course, few will forget his tearing up of South Africa in Colombo in July, when he tortured the visitors for 18 fours and six sixes in a mammoth 169.

Another hundred and 10 50s were made by the left-hander in 2013; the second-highest number of milestones reached by any batsman.

4. Quinton De Kock

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Team: South Africa

Matches: 16

Adjusted Points Per Match: 66.78

There's bursting on to the scene and then there's doing what Quinton de Kock did.

In thumping three consecutive hundreds against India in December, the keeper-batsman became only the fifth player in history to achieve such a feat in ODIs.

When he scored his maiden ton against Pakistan in November, he also became the youngest South African ever to score an ODI hundred, edging out the incomparable Jacques Kallis.

Graeme Smith has now been long forgotten at the top of South Africa's ODI line-up.

3. Shane Watson

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Team: Australia

Matches: 17

Adjusted Points Per Match: 67.16

Despite what many think of his Test credentials, it's undeniable that Shane Watson is regularly emphatic in limited-overs cricket.

In 2013, he was at his best again, smashing his 693 runs at a strike rate of 106.28—the highest mark among the world's 38 leading run-scorers for the year.

The bulky all-rounder also grabbed seven wickets in 2013, helping to lift Watson above some of the other batsmen on this list.

2. Dale Steyn

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Team: South Africa

Matches: 13

Adjusted Points Per Match: 68.81

Injury may have interrupted parts of Dale Steyn's year in 2013, but it certainly didn't slow down his rapid capture of wickets.

Although South Africa's spearhead made just 13 appearances, he claimed 27 wickets at 15.85, which included two five-wicket hauls—the most of any player in 2013.

While his 5/25 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi contained some fortunate wickets, his lethal 6/39 against the same opponent in Port Elizabeth a couple of weeks later was one of the finest bowling showcases of the year.

1. George Bailey

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Team: Australia

Matches: 22

Adjusted Points Per Match: 75.08

Given that only 9.79 points per match separate No. 10 and No. 2 on this list, it's quite an achievement that George Bailey is a clear No. 1 by more than six points per match.

In 2013, he was unquestionably the world's most consistently breathtaking batsman, scorching along to 1,098 runs from only 20 innings at an average of 64.58 and a strike rate of 100.00.

The second-fastest man ever to reach 1,500 ODI runs, Bailey also saved his best for Australia's visit of India, where he smashed 478 runs from six innings at 95.60

With that sort of performance against the world's top-ranked team, the No. 1 spot was never in doubt.